Lee'S Hard Candy
Colorful, hard candies with rich flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, or clove, perfect for gifting or a sweet treat for those who enjoy homemade confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir sugar, water, and Karo syrup together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and mixture begins boiling; do not stir after it starts boiling.
- Cook until the mixture reaches 310°F on a candy thermometer, approximately 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it settle.
- Stir in food coloring and mix well to avoid streaks.
- Add flavoring (about half the bottle, approximately 2 tablespoons) and mix well under a vent or fan due to strong fumes.
- Sift powdered sugar onto a 4-sided cookie sheet.
- Pour the hot mixture over the powdered sugar and let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, use the handle of a knife to break the candy into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
When making hard candy, ensure your candy thermometer is accurate for precise results. If you prefer different flavors, you can substitute the oils with other extracts like peppermint or anise. Always work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from the flavoring oils can be quite strong. For a fun twist, consider adding food coloring to match themes or holidays.
Serving Suggestions
These hard candies make delightful gifts or party favors and can be served in decorative bowls. Consider pairing them with a warm beverage like tea or coffee for a sweet contrast. They also pair beautifully with Eleanor'S Bread And Butter Pickles for a unique treat platter that balances sweet and savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled candy in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture. If you live in a humid environment, wrapping each piece in wax paper can help prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the candy to become sticky. Consume within a few weeks for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lee'S Hard Candy contains roughly 2074 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 225g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different flavors for this hard candy?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various flavor oils such as lemon, peppermint, or even exotic options like lavender. Just be sure to use food-safe flavorings specifically designed for candy making, as they provide the best results.
What should I do if my candy doesn't harden?
If your candy doesn't harden, it may not have reached the correct temperature. Make sure your candy thermometer is accurate, and try reheating the mixture to the proper temperature of 310°F. If it still doesn't set, you can melt it down and reattempt the process.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this hard candy recipe is inherently vegan as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that the flavor oils and any food coloring used are also vegan-friendly. This makes it a great treat for those following a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).